Russell E. 'Russ' Sanders, 76, U.S. Air Force veteran

Saturday

Jun 16, 2007 at 5:01 AM

NEW LONDON -- Russell E. "Russ" Saunders, 76, of New London, died Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk, after a lengthy illness.

Saunders was born Aug. 20, 1930, in North Royalton, son of Kirk and Bessie (Wilson) Saunders. He was a graduate of North Royalton High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. He had lived in the New London area since 1968.

Russ had worked as an over the road truck driver. He had also owned and operated the New London Sewing Center and later Covers by Saunders. He drove school bus for the New London Schools. Mr. Saunders was active in the New London High School Music Boosters and had served on the New London School Board.

He is survived by his wife, Judy (Stevens) Saunders; three sons, Vance (Kathy) Saunders of Eaton Rapids, Mich., Kirk (Renee) Saunders of Matthews, N.C. and Brett (Joy) Saunders of Norwalk; a daughter, June (Bill) Baker of North Fairfield; step sons, Michael (Terri) Stevens, Christopher (Jenny) Stevens, Robert Stevens and Mark (Renee) Stevens, all of Greenwich; 10 grandchildren; nine step grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and a stepgreat-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Sharlee "Shar" Saunders, Aug. 31, 1991; two sisters, Doris Wilson and Lee Chidsey; and a brother, Keith Saunders.

Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, June 17, 2007, at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London, where funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 18, 2007. Pastor Ernest C. Robles will officiate and burial will follow in Fitchville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Cleveland Office, 4500 Rockside Rd., Suite 440, Independence, Ohio 44131. Online condolences may be made at eastmanfuneralhome.com. (T-G 06/15/07)

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